Some Central Iowa districts began to re-examine their security issues long before the tragedy.

The Knoxville Police Department is one of few departments nationwide to receive a special type of grant from the federal government. They applied for it last spring, and decided the best use of the money would be in keeping schools safer.

“The relationship between the school district and the police department can always be better, and one way to make it better is to have an officer there all the time,” said Police Chief Dan Losada.

In the days since Sandy Hook, school safety has been a priority for law enforcement.

“We had this plan well before Sandy Hook,” said Losada.

But in Knoxville, a new school resource officer isn't so much a sign of the times, as it is a way to bridge the gap between young people and police.

“We're fortunate and we're a small community, we're on a first-name business with a lot of people in the community, even the officers are. So we're going to put a friendly face in the schools,” said Losada.

The school resource officer will rotate between the five schools in the Knoxville district, spending the most time at the high school.

“I think seeing the same face, a familiar face, time and time again, is going to be a real benefit to the kids,” said Knoxville High School principal Kevin Crawford.

Most of the time, police visits to Knoxville schools are the result of minor issues like fighting or tobacco, but principal Crawford said there's always room for improvement.

“Another set of ideas to how you can make your schools safer and more proactive, I think that's a real benefit,” said Crawford.

By having an officer in schools, Losada hopes the district will avoid ever having a more serious need for law enforcement.

“We're hoping that if someone does want to plan something like Sandy Hook, that another student will hear about it and come talk to the officer and will be able to prevent those types of tragedies,” said Losada.

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